“At the Generalate, we marked Earth Day by gathering with the ladies from St. Francis Parish for a prayer in the backyard, followed by the planting of a Cercis chinensis tree.”

Go to: 

https://www.globalsistersreport.org/environment/ecovillage-sustainable-housing-finds-place-build-pittsburgh-sisters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI5I5g0M9sc

Digging Down Deep for Hope

Easter, 2026

Dear Sisters and Associates,

I came across a quote the other day and thought it was definitely worth sharing with you.  In a world that often searches for certainty through arguments and evidence, the Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel once wrote, “There are no proofs for the existence of God.  There are only witnesses.”  His words ring with particular clarity for us Providence people.  Our vocation is not to win debates or to offer tidy explanations of mystery.  Our call is far more beautiful – and far more demanding.  We are called to be witnesses.

We have encountered the living God.  We have known the tenderness of Providence guiding our steps, sometimes through bright days and sometimes through valleys.  Yet, we have felt the quiet strength of Christ beside us.  Faith, for us, is not an abstract idea; it is a relationship.  It is the steady assurance that Providence is present, active, and trustworthy.  And from that assurance springs joy.

This joy is not naïve optimism or a denial of suffering.  It is the deep joy that comes from knowing we are held by God.  It is the joy that rises even in the midst of challenge because we trust that Providence is at work beyond what we can see.  It is the joy that first burst forth from the empty tomb and continues to echo through history:  Christ is alive!  Love has triumphed! Sing out Alleluia!

As Sisters and Associates of Divine Providence, our lives themselves become proclamation. When we forgive, we witness.  When we stand with those who are poor or marginalized, we witness.  When we choose hope over despair, compassion over indifference, courage over fear, we proclaim the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.  Through our fidelity, our service, our prayer, and our communal life, we say to the world:  God is real.  God is near.  God is love.

The question before us is simple and profound: How do we give witness to what we have seen and heard?  We do so by allowing God’s presence to shape our attitudes, our words, and our actions.  We do so by speaking openly of the hope that sustains us.  We do so by living with integrity, so that others glimpse in us something more than ourselves.  Our very lives become an invitation – an open door through which others may encounter the God we know and love.

In every place we minister, in community gatherings, and in quiet moments of daily encounter, we carry the light of Christ.  We do not need to prove God’s existence.  We simply need to reflect God’s presence.  A listening heart, a generous spirit, a faithful commitment to justice and mercy – these are the living testimonies that make faith credible.  These are the very things that Bishop Ketteler and Mother Marie passed on to us.

May we never underestimate the power of our witness.  A single life lived with conviction can awaken faith in another.  A community radiant with joy can renew a weary world.  Providence has entrusted this holy responsibility to us – not because we are perfect, but because we are willing.

Let us continue, then, to walk forward with confidence.  Let us trust the One who has called us. Let us rejoice in the gift of faith that fills our hearts with unshakeable hope.  And with voices strong and grateful, let us proclaim with our lives and our lips:

Alleluia! God is with us. God is faithful. God is at work among us still.

With gratitude for each of you and the witness you give each day, I wish you a Happy Easter!

Sister Barbara McMullen CDP, Congregational Leader

April Eco-Challenge

Please reflect on the following quotes from a text from Sadlier Religion BLOC, following an interview with Cardinal Parolin on the Climate Conference 2025 in Brazil.  We will then put these words into an action across the Congregation.

“Our call to care for creation is unceasing, and we as disciples should look for opportunities that will help us recommit our efforts to taking better care of our earth and all the people who live on it.”

April 22 is Earth Day. 

The celebration of Earth Day gives Catholics the opportunity to converse in our community about our responsibility to care for God’s creation.  Our call to care for creation is relentless, and we as disciples can use Earth Day to recommit our efforts to better care for our planet and all the people who live on it.

CDP Action

To live out of our Directional Statement “to care for all creation” and to be disciples, let us plant something:  a flower, a vegetable, a small tree sapling to give witness to our hope and care for creation.  You may be able to do this in large community settings, or even in small convents and apartments.  In order to share our actions across the Congregation, we are asking you to take a photo of your planting and send it to: bmcmullen@cdpsisters.org

We hope to share these photos on our CDP congregational website, Facebook page, and in Global Connections. 

Prayer

Provident God, be with us as we heed the call to care for creation unceasingly.  Help us to be witnesses of our care to others and bring hope and healing to our environment.  We pray this in the name of our Blessed Trinity, Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.  Amen.

" Our eyes and hearts must be reverted to our Redeemer, who is, even now, leading us into his eternal life.

Let us not take our eyes off him!" 

• Chery Ann smith, 'Living with Christ' -

image: Church Window Stained Glass - Free photo on Pixabay

Palm Sunday (March 29)

“…The mystery of God’s purpose was made known to us, the hidden plan so kindly made in Christ from the beginning, to act upon when the times had run their course to the end; that everything should be brought together under Christ as head, everything in the heavens and everything on earth.  And it is in him that we were claimed as God’s own, chosen from the beginning, under the predetermined plan of the one who freely decides all things and guides them, chosen to be, for the greater glory of the divinity, the people who would put their hopes in Christ before he came…”                                                    (Ephesians 1: 3-14)

Matthew 21:1-11 (Gospel at Procession: The Messiah enter Jerusalem)

Isaiah 50:4-7: (The third Song of the Servant)

Philippians 2:6-11: (Preserve unity in humility)

Matthew 26:14 - 27:66: (The Last Supper, Passion and Death)

1. The crowds welcomed, “Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth of Galilee” singing Hosanna to the Son of David… Yet Jesus already knew, as he had told his disciples, that he was entering Jerusalem to fulfill the “mystery of God’s purpose.”  Can we seek God’s grace to open our hearts and minds to accept “the hidden plan so kindly made in Christ from the beginning?  As we pray this week, let’s ponder this?
2. Who are the weary to whom we offer God’s words at this time in our history? Are we open to whatever happens in our future, because we have been “claimed as God’s own”?
3. Can we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, who “emptied himself”? Can we be obedient to God’s plan, the one “who freely decides all things”?  Can we, as one with all believers, “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord?”
4. Imagine the level of trust and the tremendous grace of God who strengthened Jesus through his fears and passion! Can we trust so deeply that God is giving us grace to trust as we become “the people who put their hopes in Christ?”

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You.  Amen

Sr. Barbara McMullen

image: World Water Day - Background | United Nations

World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance. UN-Water, the UN’s inter-agency coordination mechanism on water and sanitation, sets the theme and coordinates a Task Force which develops the global campaign.

Background

 What is World Water Day?

World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Why is this year’s focus on water and gender equality?

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by water-related challenges due to entrenched gender roles, inadequate infrastructure, underrepresentation, limited funding, restrictive social norms and systemic inequalities.

The 2026 World Water Day campaign calls for a transformative, rights-based approach where women have equal voice, leadership, and opportunities in water decision-making – making water a force for a healthier, more prosperous, gender-equal future that will benefit us all. (Download the Factsheet to learn more.)

Why do we need to take action on water?

Access to safe water is a human right, yet 2.1 billion people still live without safely managed drinking water services, with devastating impacts for their lives and wider society.

A well-managed water cycle underpins the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is essential for action on climate change.

What is the UN doing to accelerate progress?

The UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation is a commitment by the UN and our partners to unify and maximize support – technical and financial – to help countries make faster and greater progress.

The Strategy’s Collaborative Implementation Plan sets out how UN entities and partners will work together to achieve more rapid and impactful results.

What happens on World Water Day?

In the lead-up to 22 March, people and organizations host World Water Day events and promote the theme through communications, advocacy and social media.

The UN World Water Development Report is released, focusing on the same topic as the campaign and recommending policy direction to decision makers.

The campaign – #WorldWaterDay – reaches a global online audience of billions and engages thousands of people in conversation and debate, raising awareness and informing decision-making across the world.

Lenten Reflection

(Prepared by the Constitutions Commission)

Ezekiel 37: 12-14: (I will put my spirit in you that you may live.)

Romans 8:8-11 (The Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.)

John 11: 1-45 (I am the resurrection and the life.)

1. In living my vow of chastity, how does it reflect the spirit of God’s love and compassion?

1. In living my vow of poverty, how do I share my gifts with each person I meet?

1. In living my vow of obedience, how do I reflect God’s promise of eternal life?

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You. Amen.

Sr. Barbara McMullen

"Deeply disturbing news continues to arrive from Iran and the entire Middle East. In addition to the episodes of violence and devastation as well as the widespread climate of hatred and fear, there is also the concern that the conflict will spread and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, may again sink back into instability.

" We lift up our humble prayer to the Lord, do that the thunderous sound of bombs may cease, weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open up in which the voice of the people can be heard.

I entrust this intention to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, that she may intercede for those who suffer because of war and lead hearts along the paths of reconciliation and hope."

- Pope Leo, during his weekly Angelus address at the Vatican last Sunday. Vatican Dicastery for Communication. March 8, 2026 -

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 15)

“…With thoroughness and perseverance we seek to extend the Reign of God, reflecting the loyalty to the Church, the social concern and involvement, and the fearless defense of what is true and just, which characterized the life of Bishop Ketteler.

“Mother Marie exemplifies for us a spirit of contemplation combined with a life of action.  We are inspired by her example of humility, gentleness, and simplicity in the midst of demanding duties.  We strive to imitate the deep faith and total openness with which she accepted the will of God in the face of great suffering and in her early death.

“Trust in Divine Providence is for us, as for Bishop Ketteler and Mother Marie, our way of life.”                                                                    (Constitutions #2)

1 Samuel 16:1, 6–7, 10–13  (David is anointed as king of Israel.)

Ephesians 5:8–14  (“Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”)

John 9:1–41  (The man who was blind from birth went, washed, and returned able to see.)

1. What is the life of our Founders calling me to do today?
2. What am I unable to see at this moment?
3. How is God’s work being revealed in the darkness of my life?

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You.  Amen

Sr. Barbara McMullen

Third Sunday of Lent (March 8)

“The spirit of the institute is, above all, the spirit of Jesus Christ himself.”  (Constitutions, 1852)

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we strive always for “that mind which was in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5); we seek to live as Jesus did, striving always to do God’s will.  In this spirit we are present to the world through our service and through our mission of witnessing to the Provident God.” (Constitutions #2)

Exodus 17:3-7 (Give us water to drink.)

Romans 5:1-2.5-8 (The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.)

John 4:5-42 (A spring of water welling up to eternal life)

1. 1. The Israelites grumbled against God in the desert, and the Samaritan woman sought the well to quench her thirst. What is the ‘water’ that my soul is longing for today? Am I settling for the temporary pleasures the world offers and overlooking the fundamental thirst of my soul?
   2. Jesus reveals who He is and offers the ‘living water’ that will never thirst. How deeply do I trust in His merciful touch, which reaches out to give me this living water without condemnation?
   3. Upon realizing that Jesus is the Messiah, the woman left her water jar behind and rushed to tell the town the joyful news. How has the joy of personally encountering the Lord transformed my life? What is my own ‘water jar’ that I must willingly let go of to follow the Lord more freely?

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You.  Amen

Sr. Barbara McMullen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF4zLpCTuPU

image: World Water Day Events - Planet Water Foundation

March Eco-Challenge: "Water of Life, Breath of Poverty"

March 22^nd is World Water Day.

The theme for World Water Day 2026 is “We should conserve water to protect our planet.”

Dear Sisters, as spring awakens in March, we focus our hearts on "Water"—the precious gift from God. Let us care for our common home and embrace the spirit of religious poverty through small acts of temperance in our daily lives.

📍 [Scripture for Meditation]

"Give me a drink." (John 4:7) : Jesus’ thirst at Jacob’s well is the thirst of our Earth today, which is suffering from pollution and drought.

✅ [Action Items for March]

1. Use a Cup and Basin (Conserving Water)

Instead of letting the water run, use a cup when brushing your teeth and a basin for washing dishes. Use only as much as you truly need.

Religious Value: Practicing 'Simplicity' by possessing and using only what is necessary.

1. Reduce Shower Time by 2 Minutes (Joy of Sacrifice)

Shortening your shower by just two minutes saves hundreds of liters of water each month.

Religious Value: An act of 'Sacrifice' for the Earth and our suffering neighbors by giving up a bit of personal comfort.

1. Reduce Water Pollution (Using Less)

Try to use half the amount of detergent or shampoo. Use rice water or natural loofah sponges for cleaning.

Religious Value: An attitude of 'Spiritual Purity,' keeping even the invisible parts of creation clean.

1. Use Personal Tumblers (Reducing Plastic Bottles)

Use a personal tumbler instead of purchasing water in disposable plastic bottles.

Religious Value: A 'Responsibility' to protect God’s creation and reject the "throwaway culture."

🌟 [Prayer Challenge]

Every time you use water (washing your face or taking a drink), offer a short aspiration:

"Lord, Giver of Living Water, may my life be as simple and pure as a clear stream."

💡 A Small Note for the Sisters:

"Just as small droplets gather to form a great river, may our humble actions flow together to become a wave of honest renewal as we journey toward our 2026 General Chapter."

Lenten Reflection

Second Sunday in Lent:  March 1, 2026

1. God promised Abraham to become as numerous as the stars in the sky.

1. Bishop Ketteler and Mother Maria founded our community trusting in God’s work and power.

1. Jesus was transfigured in front of the eyes of his disciples.